The Ranchers' Voice

This week on The Ranchers’ Voice, Ellie sits down with the candidates running for MSGA’s North Central District board seats: Rocky Forseth, Trina Jo Bradley, and Kevin Elias. Tune in to get to know each candidate, hear their perspectives, and learn more about their vision for serving MSGA members. Member voting for board positions will open later this fall. Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a grass roots non-profit membership organization with a 140-year history of advocating on behalf of Montana cattle ranchers to ensure cattle ranching remains relevant, safe, & a sustainable way of life for generations to come. MSGA is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers, and advocate of cattle ranching for state and federal legislators and a true partner in efforts to preserve & advance Montana’s cattle industry. To become a member of MSGA, visit www.mtbeef.org Follow us: Facebook: MontanaStockgrowersAssociationInstagram: mtstockgrowersTwitter: MTStockgrowers

This week on The Ranchers’ Voice, Ellie sits down with the candidate running for MSGA’s Northeastern District board seat: Joe Lewis. Tune in over the next few weeks to get to know each candidate, hear their perspectives, and learn more about their vision for serving MSGA's members. Over the coming weeks, we’ll continue featuring interviews with the remaining board candidates. Member voting for board positions will open later this fall. Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a grass roots non-profit membership organization with a 140-year history of advocating on behalf of Montana cattle ranchers to ensure cattle ranching remains relevant, safe, & a sustainable way of life for generations to come. MSGA is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers, and advocate of cattle ranching for state and federal legislators and a true partner in efforts to preserve & advance Montana’s cattle industry. To become a member of MSGA, visit www.mtbeef.org Follow us: Facebook: MontanaStockgrowersAssociationInstagram: mtstockgrowersTwitter: MTStockgrowers

This week on The Ranchers’ Voice, Ellie sits down with the candidates running for MSGA’s Western District board seat: Craig Lien and Garrett Harshbarger. Tune in to get to know each candidate, hear their perspectives, and learn more about their vision for serving MSGA members. Over the coming weeks, we’ll continue featuring interviews with the remaining board candidates. Member voting for board positions will open later this fall. Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a grass roots non-profit membership organization with a 140-year history of advocating on behalf of Montana cattle ranchers to ensure cattle ranching remains relevant, safe, & a sustainable way of life for generations to come. MSGA is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers, and advocate of cattle ranching for state and federal legislators and a true partner in efforts to preserve & advance Montana’s cattle industry. To become a member of MSGA, visit www.mtbeef.org Follow us: Facebook: MontanaStockgrowersAssociationInstagram: mtstockgrowersTwitter: MTStockgrowers

This week, Ellie sits down with Brendan Beatty, director of the Montana Department of Revenue, and Paula Gilbert, Property Assessment Administrator to discuss the changes to property tax that came out of the most recent legislative session. Learn more about resources discussed in this episode at www.revenue.mt.govwww.homestead.mt.gov Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a grass roots non-profit membership organization with a 140-year history of advocating on behalf of Montana cattle ranchers to ensure cattle ranching remains relevant, safe, & a sustainable way of life for generations to come. MSGA is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers, and advocate of cattle ranching for state and federal legislators and a true partner in efforts to preserve & advance Montana’s cattle industry. To become a member of MSGA, visit www.mtbeef.org Follow us: Facebook: MontanaStockgrowersAssociationInstagram: mtstockgrowersTwitter: MTStockgrowers

This week Raylee and Ellie chat about Interim Committees and the work that goes on between legislative sessions. Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a grass roots non-profit membership organization with a 140-year history of advocating on behalf of Montana cattle ranchers to ensure cattle ranching remains relevant, safe, & a sustainable way of life for generations to come. MSGA is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers, and advocate of cattle ranching for state and federal legislators and a true partner in efforts to preserve & advance Montana’s cattle industry. To become a member of MSGA, visit www.mtbeef.org Follow us: Facebook: MontanaStockgrowersAssociationInstagram: mtstockgrowersTwitter: MTStockgrowers

This week, Ellie and Keni sit down with retired historian, Zoe Ann Stoltz, to dig into the history of Montana's brands and the stories and people behind them. Follow along as Zoe Ann shares first hand accounts of some of Montana's most iconic brands and interesting bits of Montana history! Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a grass roots non-profit membership organization with a 140-year history of advocating on behalf of Montana cattle ranchers to ensure cattle ranching remains relevant, safe, & a sustainable way of life for generations to come. MSGA is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers, and advocate of cattle ranching for state and federal legislators and a true partner in efforts to preserve & advance Montana’s cattle industry. To become a member of MSGA, visit www.mtbeef.org Follow us: Facebook: MontanaStockgrowersAssociationInstagram: mtstockgrowersTwitter: MTStockgrowers

This week, Keni sits down with MSGA's summer intern, Kelcy Bergstrom and Membership Representative, Ian Kane. The trio discusses the role internships have played in their careers thus far, as well as how these opportunities are vital for students. This week, Keni sits down with MSGA's summer intern, Kelcy Bergstrom and Membership Representative, Ian Kane. The trio discusses the role internships have played in their careers thus far, as well as how these opportunities are vital for students. Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a grass roots non-profit membership organization with a 140-year history of advocating on behalf of Montana cattle ranchers to ensure cattle ranching remains relevant, safe, & a sustainable way of life for generations to come. MSGA is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers, and advocate of cattle ranching for state and federal legislators and a true partner in efforts to preserve & advance Montana’s cattle industry. To become a member of MSGA, visit www.mtbeef.org Follow us: Facebook: MontanaStockgrowersAssociationInstagram: mtstockgrowersTwitter: MTStockgrowers

This week, Ellie and Keni chat with MSGA member, Chisholm Christensen, about his 2021 debut album, The Prisoner, ranching on the hi-line, and keeping the balance between his two passions - music and ranching. Listen to The Prisoner: https://open.spotify.com/album/3rLQ8w7g57NiRFvSUsGAk1?si=In8EM0YDSRK1nnmScL3mQw Follow Chisholm: https://www.instagram.com/chisholm.1909/ Watch the Public Lands Council Common Ground video https://youtu.be/bzPCAJA_zmM?si=XRNfp55U-Fdu-bhK Watch The Truth About Ranching - The Story of a 5th Generation (1909) Montana Rancher https://youtu.be/107sKlgItTw?si=3HwSiwQcWaU8F_rn Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a grass roots non-profit membership organization with a 140-year history of advocating on behalf of Montana cattle ranchers to ensure cattle ranching remains relevant, safe, & a sustainable way of life for generations to come. MSGA is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers, and advocate of cattle ranching for state and federal legislators and a true partner in efforts to preserve & advance Montana’s cattle industry. To become a member of MSGA, visit www.mtbeef.org Follow us: Facebook: MontanaStockgrowersAssociationInstagram: mtstockgrowersTwitter: MTStockgrowers

This week, Ellie and Raylee and joined in studio by Jillien Streit, director for the Montana Department of Agriculture. Jillien chats with us about her recent trade missions, programs within the Department, and her prior experiences in the ag industry. Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a grass roots non-profit membership organization with a 140-year history of advocating on behalf of Montana cattle ranchers to ensure cattle ranching remains relevant, safe, & a sustainable way of life for generations to come. MSGA is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers, and advocate of cattle ranching for state and federal legislators and a true partner in efforts to preserve & advance Montana’s cattle industry. To become a member of MSGA, visit www.mtbeef.org Follow us: Facebook: MontanaStockgrowersAssociationInstagram: mtstockgrowersTwitter: MTStockgrowers

This week, Raylee is joined by Mike Honeycutt and Jay Bodner from the Montana Department of Livestock. The group discusses the 69th Montana Legislature and the Department's priorities. This week, Raylee is joined by Mike Honeycutt and Jay Bodner from the Montana Department of Livestock. The group discusses the 69th Montana Legislature and the Department's priorities. Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a grass roots non-profit membership organization with a 140-year history of advocating on behalf of Montana cattle ranchers to ensure cattle ranching remains relevant, safe, & a sustainable way of life for generations to come. MSGA is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers, and advocate of cattle ranching for state and federal legislators and a true partner in efforts to preserve & advance Montana’s cattle industry. To become a member of MSGA, visit www.mtbeef.org Follow us: Facebook: MontanaStockgrowersAssociationInstagram: mtstockgrowersTwitter: MTStockgrowers

This week, Raylee and Ellie chat with Kent Bacus who serves as NCBA’s Executive Director of Government Affairs. The trio discuss tax policy, trade markets, the One Big Beautiful Bill, and much more! In this role, Kent works with Congress, the Administration, and foreign governments to advance the U.S. cattle and beef industry’s trade priorities and expand U.S. beef access to foreign markets.Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a grass roots non-profit membership organization with a 140-year history of advocating on behalf of Montana cattle ranchers to ensure cattle ranching remains relevant, safe, & a sustainable way of life for generations to come.MSGA is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers, and advocate of cattle ranching for state and federal legislators and a true partner in efforts to preserve & advance Montana’s cattle industry.To become a member of MSGA, visit www.mtbeef.orgFollow us: Facebook: MontanaStockgrowersAssociationInstagram: mtstockgrowersTwitter: MTStockgrowers

This week, Raylee and Ellie are joined by Leoma Donabach, Garrett Harshbarger, and Chance Wilson as they share their experiences at the 2025 Young Cattlemen's Conference. Leoma Donsbach is out of Roy and the owner of Data Genie, LLC. She currently serves as the chair of MSGA’s Seedstock Committee and is a graduate of MSGA’s M Bar Leadership Academy. Garrett Harshbarger is out of Whitehall and owns and operates a cow/calf operation in southwest Montana and is a current participant of MSGA’s M Bar Leadership Academy. Chance Wilson owns a commercial Angus cow/calf operation in Scobey, Mont. and is currently serving on the MSGA board of directors representing the northeastern district. Chance is also a graduate of MSGA’s M Bar Leadership Academy.The Young Cattlemen’s Conference (YCC) is an opportunity for cattlemen and cattlewomen between the ages of 25 and 50 to visit segments of the beef industry across the nation with young cattlemen from other states. Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a grass roots non-profit membership organization with a 140-year history of advocating on behalf of Montana cattle ranchers to ensure cattle ranching remains relevant, safe, & a sustainable way of life for generations to come.MSGA is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers, and advocate of cattle ranching for state and federal legislators and a true partner in efforts to preserve & advance Montana’s cattle industry.To become a member of MSGA, visit www.mtbeef.orgFollow us: Facebook: MontanaStockgrowersAssociationInstagram: mtstockgrowersTwitter: MTStockgrowers

This week, Raylee interviews DNRC Deputy Forestry Administrator, Wyatt Frampton about the upcoming (maybe already started?) fire season and how Montana's ranchers can prepare and important updates from the department regarding fire. Learn more at www.mtfireinfo.org. Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a grass roots non-profit membership organization with a 140-year history of advocating on behalf of Montana cattle ranchers to ensure cattle ranching remains relevant, safe, & a sustainable way of life for generations to come.MSGA is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers, and advocate of cattle ranching for state and federal legislators and a true partner in efforts to preserve & advance Montana’s cattle industry.To become a member of MSGA, visit www.mtbeef.orgFollow us: Facebook: MontanaStockgrowersAssociationInstagram: mtstockgrowersTwitter: MTStockgrowers

This week Raylee chats with Dr. Brenee Peterson about meetings hosted by the Montana Department of Livestock surrounding disease preparedness, how producers can be prepared, and why our Montana livestock producers should attend to share their input. Learn more about the meetings at https://mtbeef.org/event/montana-department-of-livestock-announces-animal-health-disease-preparedness-meetings/ Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a grass roots non-profit membership organization with a 140-year history of advocating on behalf of Montana cattle ranchers to ensure cattle ranching remains relevant, safe, & a sustainable way of life for generations to come.MSGA is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers, and advocate of cattle ranching for state and federal legislators and a true partner in efforts to preserve & advance Montana’s cattle industry.To become a member of MSGA, visit www.mtbeef.orgFollow us: Facebook: MontanaStockgrowersAssociationInstagram: mtstockgrowersTwitter: MTStockgrowers

In this episode, Ellie and Keni recap MSGA’s 141st MidYear Meeting. Highlighting opening and closing sessions, committee meetings, and the always eventful, Sunset Banquet. The Ranchers' Voice presented by Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a place for conversations surrounding policy, the Montana Legislature, and issues that matter most to ranching families in Montana. From the Capitol to the countryside, we'll be the connection point between local ranchers and legislative decision makers, cattle producers and general consumers, and between all cattle ranchers across Montana. Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a grass roots non-profit membership organization with a 140-year history of advocating on behalf of Montana cattle ranchers to ensure cattle ranching remains relevant, safe, & a sustainable way of life for generations to come. MSGA is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers, and advocate of cattle ranching for state and federal legislators and a true partner in efforts to preserve & advance Montana’s cattle industry. To become a member of MSGA, visit www.mtbeef.org Follow us: Facebook: MontanaStockgrowersAssociation Instagram: mtstockgrowers Twitter: MTStockgrowers

In this week's episode, Raylee and Ellie are joined by MSGA member, Justin Iverson, to share his experience at the recent USMEF 2025 Mexico Market Expo in Monterrey, Mexico. The Ranchers' Voice presented by Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a place for conversations surrounding policy, the Montana Legislature, and issues that matter most to ranching families in Montana.From the Capitol to the countryside, we'll be the connection point between local ranchers and legislative decision makers, cattle producers and general consumers, and between all cattle ranchers across Montana. Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a grass roots non-profit membership organization with a 140-year history of advocating on behalf of Montana cattle ranchers to ensure cattle ranching remains relevant, safe, & a sustainable way of life for generations to come.MSGA is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers, and advocate of cattle ranching for state and federal legislators and a true partner in efforts to preserve & advance Montana’s cattle industry.To become a member of MSGA, visit www.mtbeef.orgFollow us: Facebook: MontanaStockgrowersAssociationInstagram: mtstockgrowersTwitter: MTStockgrowers

In this week's episode, Raylee and Ellie are joined by retired teacher and Butte history buff, Chris Fisk, as we learn a bit more about our MidYear Meeting host city and it's colorful history. Chris will be sharing a bit more at the Coffee Talks Session on Friday, May 30 in Butte, so make sure to register for MSGA's MidYear Meeting today at www.mtbeef.org! The Ranchers' Voice presented by Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a place for conversations surrounding policy, the Montana Legislature, and issues that matter most to ranching families in Montana. From the Capitol to the countryside, we'll be the connection point between local ranchers and legislative decision makers, cattle producers and general consumers, and between all cattle ranchers across Montana. Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a grass roots non-profit membership organization with a 140-year history of advocating on behalf of Montana cattle ranchers to ensure cattle ranching remains relevant, safe, & a sustainable way of life for generations to come. MSGA is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers, and advocate of cattle ranching for state and federal legislators and a true partner in efforts to preserve & advance Montana’s cattle industry. To become a member of MSGA, visit www.mtbeef.org Follow us: Facebook: MontanaStockgrowersAssociationInstagram: mtstockgrowersTwitter: MTStockgrowers

In this week's episode, Raylee is joined by MSGA 2nd VP, Turk Stovall, to share his experience at the recent Common Ground Summit in Denver, Colorado. The Ranchers' Voice presented by Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a place for conversations surrounding policy, the Montana Legislature, and issues that matter most to ranching families in Montana. From the Capitol to the countryside, we'll be the connection point between local ranchers and legislative decision makers, cattle producers and general consumers, and between all cattle ranchers across Montana. ________Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a grass roots non-profit membership organization with a 140-year history of advocating on behalf of Montana cattle ranchers to ensure cattle ranching remains relevant, safe, & a sustainable way of life for generations to come.MSGA is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers, and advocate of cattle ranching for state and federal legislators and a true partner in efforts to preserve & advance Montana’s cattle industry.To become a member of MSGA, visit www.mtbeef.org_________Follow us: Facebook: MontanaStockgrowersAssociationInstagram: mtstockgrowersTwitter: MTStockgrowers

The Ranchers' Voice presented by Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a place for conversations surrounding policy, the Montana Legislature, and issues that matter most to ranching families in Montana.From the Capitol to the countryside, we'll be the connection point between local ranchers and legislative decision makers, cattle producers and general consumers, and between all cattle ranchers across Montana. _______________________________________________________________Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a grass roots non-profit membership organization with a 140-year history of advocating on behalf of Montana cattle ranchers to ensure cattle ranching remains relevant, safe, & a sustainable way of life for generations to come.MSGA is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers, and advocate of cattle ranching for state and federal legislators and a true partner in efforts to preserve & advance Montana’s cattle industry.To become a member of MSGA, visit www.mtbeef.org_______________________________________________________________Follow us: Facebook: MontanaStockgrowersAssociationInstagram: mtstockgrowersTwitter: MTStockgrowers

This week we're happy to have both Raylee and Ellie back together in studio to discuss the Montana Legislative Session and more! Last week, Ellie visited Washington DC for the Public Lands Council Legislative Conference and spent some time with Montana's congressional delegation. Raylee shares what MSGA has been up to in Helena including confirmation hearings, tax bills, and updates on HB 119. The Ranchers' Voice presented by Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a place for conversations surrounding policy, the Montana Legislature, and issues that matter most to ranching families in Montana.From the Capitol to the countryside, we'll be the connection point between local ranchers and legislative decision makers, cattle producers and general consumers, and between all cattle ranchers across Montana. Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a grass roots non-profit membership organization with a 140-year history of advocating on behalf of Montana cattle ranchers to ensure cattle ranching remains relevant, safe, & a sustainable way of life for generations to come.MSGA is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers, and advocate of cattle ranching for state and federal legislators and a true partner in efforts to preserve & advance Montana’s cattle industry.To become a member of MSGA, visit www.mtbeef.orgFollow us: Facebook: MontanaStockgrowersAssociationInstagram: mtstockgrowersTwitter: MTStockgrowers