Montana Cattlemen's Association

MONTANA CERTIFIED NATURAL BEEF PROGRAM

The Montana Certified Natural Beef Program, spearheaded by MCA, is now ready to be implemented.

The Montana Certified Natural Beef Program strives to add value to Montana beef products using state verified protocols.

To participate in the program, beef cattle owners must apply for certification using a producer application form. The cattle enrollment form is used to identify animals that are to be included in the program. A health records form is used to keep track of any medicines given to animals, and must be sent to the department before sale of the animals.

For additional information, visit: http://agr.mt.gov/business/certifiedBeef.asp or contact Marty Earnheart, livestock marketing officer at the Montana Department of Agriculture at (406) 444-2402 or by email at mearnheart@mt.gov

Natural Beef Application Form (pdf)
Cattle Enrollment Form (pdf)
Cattle Health Records Form (pdf)
Certification Law and Rules (pdf)
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The Montana Cattlemen’s Association was reactivated to provide representation to the cattle producers of Montana. MCA has a long history stretching back to the 1950’s of representing Montana cattle producers on issues vital to the future of our industry. Our goal is to continue that tradition with the help of experienced cattle producers across the state.

The purpose of MCA is to address the market interests of Montana cattle producers. MCA will serve to support the environmental, cultural and historical interests of Montana cattle producers. A primary purpose is to restore prosperity to rural Montana by advancing the interests of agriculture.

MCA is composed of 12 districts throughout Montana. Each district selects its own director. Those districts and current directors can be found by clicking on the officers & directors button above. Your voice through your director is important to the success of MCA and your future.

With increased imports, decreased market share, a collapsed finished cattle market, and a host of other challenges facing the cattle producer and his way of life, it is imperative that each and every cattleman in the State of Montana becomes more active in protecting his livelihood.

By joining MCA your voice will be heard and with hard work, dedication, and perseverance the cattle industry can become profitable once again!

MCA Mission Statement

To actively participate with Montana cattle producers to protect our industry's future.

To address market interests, serve to support Montana’s environmental, cultural and historical heritage, and protect the interests of Montana cattle producers in international markets and trade issues.

The Montana Cattlemen’s Association shall be true environmentalists in protecting and advancing their environmental positions in water rights, mineral rights and natural resources.

Special Membership Offer
Due to the current state of the economy and the financial strain on Montana cattle producers and their families, the MCA Board of Directors have unanimously voted to temporarily reduce membership dues from $50 per year to $20 per year. It is important every cattle producer, or individual supporting agriculture, has the opportunity to belong to a state organization working on their behalf, which is why our directors have reduced dues to a more affordable $20 per year.

Join MCA

MCA Submits Beef Checkoff Improvement Recommendations
The Montana Cattlemen's Association (MCA) has submitted recommendations to amend the Cattlemen's Beef Board checkoff program as follows:
1. Checkoff dollars be used to promote only U.S.A. beef from cattle born, raised, and processed in the United States of America.
2. A periodic vote on the checkoff program (every five years).
3. Prohibit any one cattle organization from serving as the "prime contractor" for the program, but allow all U.S. cattle organizations to participate in approved projects on a case-by-case basis.
4. Reform the Cattlemen's Beef Board to reflect proportional representation from all national cattle organizations.
5. Allow for checkoff expenditures to protect U.S.A. beef and cattle from unfair trade practices and to protect the U.S. cattle herd from import practices which threaten cattle herd health and beef consumers.
6. Allow checkoff expenditures to promote branded products from small and large packing entities.
7. Provide that 70% of all funds collected remain in the state where collected, and 30% to the national Cattlemen's Beef Board.
8. Provide an exemption for producers contributing equal or greater funds into a private sector self-help effort.
In addition, the MCA Board recommends any increase in the checkoff assessment fee not be considered unless or until the above recommendations are implemented.