The Ranchers' Voice

You can find the Ranchers' Voice Podcast on all major podcast streaming platforms and YouTube.

On the twenty third episode of The Ranchers' Voice, Jay and Raylee discuss the recent release of the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) draft environmental assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and share with listeners some drought resources. 

Lastly, we share the first part of our interview with State Director of BLM for Montana & Dakotas, John Mehlhoff.

On the twenty second episode of The Ranchers' Voice, Jay and Raylee review MSGA's MidYear Meeting, announce the 2021 winners of the Environmental Stewardship Award and invite listeners to join the Montana Stockgrowers Foundation at the TBone Classic in August. 

Lastly, we share an interview with Matt Pearson, president of the Producer Partnership, which includes local producers, local meat processors and local food centers working in partnership to provide Montana beef to those individuals and families with food insecurity.

On the twenty first episode of The Ranchers' Voice, Jay and Raylee discuss MSGA's upcoming MidYear Meeting and what attendees can expect. 

Lastly, we share an interview with Governor Greg Gianforte in which we cover a variety of topics from the Governor's proclamation of May as beef month, cattle markets, the Montana Comeback Plan, ARPA funding and much more!

On the twentieth episode of The Ranchers' Voice, Jay and Raylee discuss the recent meeting of Ag organization to discuss market concerns, new information surrounding the Biden Administration's 30x30 Initiative, and share details on MSGA's MidYear Meeting happening in Lewistown, MT on June 9 - 11.

Lastly, we share an interview with the Montana Agriculture Safety Program director, Austin Grazier, as he shares more about the program, the benefits, and how folks can enroll.

On the nineteenth episode of The Ranchers' Voice, Jay and Raylee take a deep dive on the 67th Legislature and a review of the bills MSGA worked on.

On the eighteenth episode of The Ranchers' Voice, Raylee gives a quick update on the closing of the 67th Montana Legislature (a more in-depth update coming next week!).

Lastly, we share an interview with Montana Attorney General, Austin Knudsen, regarding the lawsuit surrounding water rights and HB 286, Montana's relationship with Taiwan, and the Land Board.

On the seventeenth episode of The Ranchers' Voice, Jay and Raylee update listeners on MSGA's priority bills and prepare for the wrap up of Legislature. 

Lastly, we share an interview with Karen Budd-Falen, rancher attorney and former Deputy Solicitor for Wildlife and Parks in the Department of the Interior, regarding the Biden administration's '30 by 30 Plan' and what it means for ranchers.

On the sixteenth episode of The Ranchers' Voice, Jay and Raylee discuss the recent court decision on HB 286, the HAULS Act, NCBA's Price Discovery Framework, and give an update on this week's legislative highlights. 

Lastly, we share an interview with Ethan Wilfore, Montana Department of Livestock Brands Enforcement Division, regarding the ongoing brand rerecord, how folks can confirm receipt/payment of rerecords, what happens to brands that do not get rerecorded, and how the department is looking at making the process more efficient.

On the fifteenth episode of The Ranchers' Voice, Jay and Raylee discuss this week's legislative highlights with a focus on HB 2 and funding. 

Lastly, we share an interview with Lesley Robinson, MSGA’s 2nd Vice President who has been recently appointed as chair to the Fish & Wildlife Commission regarding her role as chair, the importance of landowner representation on the commission, details on the Elk Management Plan, other issues relating to the commission and how folks can get involved and have their voices heard.

On the fourteenth episode of The Ranchers' Voice, Jay and Raylee discuss updates regarding grizzly bears, share recent appointments by Gov. Gianforte, and hit on this week's legislative highlights. 

Lastly, we share an interview with Krista Lee Evans of Blake Creek Consulting as she discusses water rights and the bills we've seen at the legislature regarding water policy.

On the thirteenth episode of The Ranchers' Voice, Jay and Raylee review the happenings of National Ag Week, share details regarding the upcoming Board of Livestock and FWP commission meetings, and hit on this week's legislative highlights.

On the twelfth episode of The Ranchers' Voice, Jay and Raylee celebrate National Ag Week, discuss their meeting with Taiwan's Director General, give an update on the latest MSGA Board of Directors meeting, and share news of Gov. Gianforte's proclamation of "Montana Meat Day." 

Lastly, we share an interview with Senator Ryan Osmundson, Chair of Senate Finance and Claims Committee as he explains how to committee functions, HB 2 and gives listeners some insights to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and how that money might be allocated.

On the eleventh episode of The Ranchers' Voice, Jay and Raylee discuss the second half of the Legislature and the bill hearings we will be seeing. We also discuss the next round of COVID-19 funding and how dollars will be allocated. 

Lastly, we share an interview with Director of Fish, wildlife and Parks, Hank Worsech, as he discusses his background with the department, how he plans to work with landowners as director, HB 505 involving elk licenses on private lands, the FWP commission, and the Red Tape Task Force.

On the tenth  episode of The Ranchers' Voice, Jay and Raylee take a deep dive on HB 554, a bill which would require the Montana Legislature’s approval of National Heritage Areas (NHA) and National Trail Designation in Montana. 

We share an interview with MSGA's North Central District Board of Director & Big Sandy rancher, Dana Darlington, as he discusses his history with designations, the background on the info and how MSGA's grassroots efforts benefit members' private property rights.

On the ninth  episode of The Ranchers' Voice, Jay and Raylee review the first half of the Legislature and discuss the bills for the upcoming week MSGA will be watching. Lastly, listen as we share an interview with Amanda Kaster, Director of the Department of Natural Resources in which Director Kaster shares a little about her background in multiple use issues, the Red Tape Task Force and her vision for DNRC.

On the eight episode of The Ranchers' Voice, Jay and Raylee discuss the upcoming transmittal date and some hot topic hearings MSGA will be taking part in.

Lastly, listen as we share an interview with Jake Feddes of Feddes Family Meats in which we discussed meat processing legislation on the Federal and State levels, the challenges of being a family owned facility and Made in Montana and how it benefits Montanans.

On the seventh episode of The Ranchers' Voice, Jay and Raylee provide listeners with a recap of last week's bills in addition to a preview of the bills for this week. We take a deep dive on HB 324 and MSGA's stance on the bill along with some upcoming bills regarding bison.

Lastly, listen as we share an interview with Representative Josh Kassmier, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee in which we discussed how members can get involved with the 67th legislature, the committee's bills, and the BIG Jobs Act.

On the sixth episode of The Ranchers' Voice, Jay and Raylee provide listeners with a recap of last week's bills in addition to a preview of the bills for this week.

Lastly, listen as we share an interview with Senator Mike Lang, Chair of the Agriculture, Livestock & Irrigation Committee in which we discussed the appointment and confirmation process, the committee's bills, and some of the bills that Senator Lang has brought forward.

On the fifth episode of The Ranchers' Voice, Jay and Raylee discuss meat processing and the two bills recently introduced; Senator Tester's New Markets for State-Inspected Meat and Poultry Act and the DIRECT Act. We also share a recap of last week's Legislature activities and prep listeners for the upcoming week.

Lastly, listen as we share an interview with Mike Foster, the Director of the Department of Agriculture in which we discussed the department's budget, the three bills that the agency has brought forward, and Director Foster's vision for the agency moving forward.

On the fourth episode of The Ranchers' Voice, Jay and Raylee recap the Executive Orders made by President Biden and what that means for Montana ranchers. We also share our recap of last week's Legislature activities and prep listeners for the upcoming week. 

Lastly, Jay and Raylee had the honor to interview the Lieutenant Governor of Montana, Kristen Juras. They discuss the Montana Comeback Plan, the administration's efforts to roll out COVID-19 protections for business owners, the Red Tape Task Force, and the focus on increasing meat processing capacity in Montana. It's a jam packed week!

On the third episode of The Ranchers' Voice, Jay and Raylee share with listeners the new appointments from Governor Gianforte in addition to providing a recap of legislation from last week and a preview for the week of Jan 18, 2021.

Lastly, listen to the second part of our interview with the Department of Livestock's Executive Officer, Mike Honeycutt, as he discusses the Designated Surveillance Area (DSA), the status of the quarantine facility, RFID tags, and the brands rerecord happening this year!

To become a MSGA member, visit www.mtbeef.org.

On the second episode of The Ranchers' Voice, Jay and Raylee discuss the recent agency director appointments from the recently sworn-in Governor Gianforte. We also recap the first week of the 67th Legislature, including the Governor's 2023 Biennium Budget and key bills.  

Lastly, listen to our interview with the Department of Livestock's Executive Officer, Mike Honeycutt, as he discusses the agency's budget and legislation impacting the Department of Livestock.

To become a MSGA member, visit www.mtbeef.org.

On the first episode of The Ranchers' Voice, Jay and Raylee give listeners a preview of what the 67th Montana Legislature will look like amid the COVID-19 Pandemic and how MSGA plans to advocate on behalf of our Montana ranching families. 

We discuss MSGA's legislative priorities that include agency oversight, the Department of Livestock, DNRC, FWP, taxation, water policy, wildlife management, and private property rights.

Lastly, listen to our interview with the newly-elected Speaker of the House, Wylie Galt, as he shares his thoughts on how COVID-19 will be impacting the upcoming legislature, key legislation effecting the livestock industry, and his forecast on the biennium budget.  To get involved with Montana's 67th Legislature, visit leg.mt.gov.

The Ranchers' Voice presented by Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a place for conversations surrounding policy, the upcoming 2021 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. 

To learn more about MSGA, visit our website at www.mtbeef.org or follow us on Facebook at Montana Stockgrowers Association.