NATIONAL FARM SAFETY & HEALTH WEEK
September 19 - 25, 2010
All Terrain Vehicles, ATVs, have become a common vehicle of use on most all agricultural operations in Montana. Unfortunately ATVs have been involved in more than one death a month in Montana over the past year and half, many of them on agricultural operations. More than one third of all ATV fatalities are youth under 16 years old. Training all family members and employees on Safe Operating Procedures should be a high priority for all agricultural operations. Complete protection from an ATV accident is not possible, but the appropriate protective clothing can reduce the chance of injury while riding an ATV. A helmet is the most important piece of safety gear, because it can prevent serious head injuries by resisting penetration and absorbing shock. Central nervous system injuries account for 80% of fatalities in ATV-related crashes. It is estimated that wearing helmets will reduce risk of death by 42% and the risk of non-fatal head injuries by 64%. Create an ATV Safety Attitude for your family and friends sake. Is your operation in compliance with the MT Safety Culture Act? For more information and to qualify for a 4% discount on your workers compensation premium contact the MT Ag Safety Program, Gene Surber, 406-284-9037 or Les Graham, 406-388-9330.
MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF LIVESTOCK BRAND RERECORDS Brands rerecord - which effects every rancher in the state - is coming up soon. MDOL will be sending out rerecord notices in January 2011, with renewals due by December 31, 2011. In the meantime they are trying to make sure everyone has their addresses up to date - there have been a lot of changes due to revamping of rural 911 systems, and if folks don't have their correct address on file, it could potentially delay delivery of their rerecord notice. To update your address go to: http://liv.mt.gov/be/rerecord/index.asp
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)
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.
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