MCW MID-YEAR MEETING IN BILLINGS

CattleWomen from around the state gathered to gain knowledge on programs going on state-wide in the Beef Industry. Some of the guest speakers for the two-day conference included: Charlene Schuster, Executive Director of the Montana Beef Council who gave a comprehensive update on the many beef promotional programs coming up this summer, and Tom Hougen, Second Vice President of the Montana Stockgrowers Association emphasized the Stockgrowers programs. Lisa Murray, Registered Dietician of the Billings Deaconess Hospital, shared the newly-released food guidelines and explained the "new" food guide pyramid-called My Pyramid-Steps to a Healthier You. She pointed out that beef is still an important part of the Pyramid. Dr. John Patterson, MSU Beef Extension Specialist gave an overview of the Animal ID System, and Nancy Greenfield, a ranch photographer gave a presentation on photographing historical ranches in Montana.

Many beef educational and promotional programs were on the business agenda. The Montana CattleWomen Memorial Scholarship winner was Heidi Arlian of Big Timber, and the FCCLA Beef Award winner was Kelsey Gambill of Forsyth. Beef Education materials were distributed to some 4,766 students and some 1,564 pounds of beef had been used this year in the Montana schools programs. Many other programs are reaching school age to adults.