Bill on Beef

"Bill on Beef" is a series of videos produced by Lauren Chase, MSGA's multimedia outreach specialist, featuring Montana rancher, Bill Donald. Bill is a past president of the Montana Stockgrowers Association and will serve as President of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association through February 2012. Each "Bill on Beef" episode will cover a different aspect of the beef cattle industry. If you have a question that you would like Bill to address, email Lauren@mtbeef.org!

Episode 1


Ever wonder about how wintery weather affects ranching? Well, in MSGA's first installment of "Bill on Beef", NCBA president, Bill Donald, explains how Montana ranchers deal with all that cold!

Episode 2


Why are cattle so fluffy in the winter time? What is a feed line? NCBA president, Bill Donald, enlightens us on these topics in this episode of Bill on Beef.

Episode 3


What does a cow want from a feedlot? Find out on this episode of Bill on Beef!

Episode 4


It's calving time at Cayuse Livestock Company, so what does that entail? On this episode of Bill on Beef, find out why heifers must be monitored more than cows during this time.

Episode 5


The word "jug" has many meanings...but what does it mean for calving? And how is it different than a dark box? Find out on this episode of Bill on Beef. How does your ranch handle this bonding?

Episode 6


Ever wonder why on some ranches, all the cows have their babies at the same time? On this episode, Bill explains why all the calves are born together and he talks about what the Super Bull is...touchdown!

Episode 7


Ranchers can pretty much tell when a heifer or cow will give birth from their body language. In this episode of Bill on Beef, Bill shares what signs to look for in a heifer when she is about to calve.

Episode 8


For cattlemen, being involved on the ranch takes up a lot of time, but it's also important to attend conferences to learn about new research and share ideas with other producers. In this episode, Bill talks about what's happening at the Beef Improvement Federation meeting in Bozeman, Montana. He spoke to the attendees about Montana's beef and ranchers.

Episode 9


Put a little ZIP in your day with a steak!

Episode 10


This episode of Bill on Beef, we've got a special guest for you!!! This guest talks about a breed found in the southern states, but crosses with a breed that Montanans know well. Enjoy!

Episode 11


On this week's episode of Bill on Beef, learn about high input costs of beef production. The Montana Stockgrowers Association's members make a special appearance too!

Episode 12


Boy, do we have a special treat for you! On this episode of Bill on Beef, Bill...and Bill...talk about genetics in the cattle herd! Editor's note: please pardon the wind...Montana is windy.

Episode 13


What is a brand and why do ranchers use them on their herd? Find out the answer to these questions on this episode of Bill on Beef.

Episode 14


On this episode, Bill's at the grill to teach us how to prepare delicious T-bones full of ZIP!

Episode 15


On this episode, we're back at the grill with Bill! He talks about gas and fire pit grilling for that perfect, juicy steak.

Episode 16

Why do cattle eat grass? What is the difference between summer and winter grass? These questions are answered on this  Bill on Beef episode. How's YOUR summer time grazing going?

Episode 17


It's time to "Git Her Done" at Cayuse Livestock Company. On this episode, Bill explains artificial insemination and why some ranchers use this tool on their female cattle.

Episode 18


What do ranchers feed to the cattle during the rough Montana winters? What's with all of the machinery out in the fields right now? On this episode, Bill explains the need for all of that hay!

Episode 19

Community support is what many rural ranches rely upon. On this episode, Bill talks about why there are so many ranches over 100 years old in the town of Melville, Montana.

Episode 20


On this episode, Bill and the crew check to see if these of heifers are pregnant and talks about why it's important that they are. But what happens if they aren't?

Episode 21


How can a wand and a small disk help cattlemen identify their cattle? This episode talks about how electronics play a huge role in cattle identification. Thanks to Monica from Montana for suggesting this topic for Bill on Beef.

Episode 22


BQA - Beef Quality Assurance...what's that all about? Did you know cattlemen have a system in place to make sure they are handling their cattle with care? Learn more on this episode of Bill on Beef. You may even see a special guest!!

Episode 23


Let's set the scene: You're a rancher in Montana. You've had your herd of cattle grazing all summer and now they're at a selling weight. What happens next? Find out on this episode of Bill on Beef!

Episode 24


Having many ropes on a ranch isn't an unusual sight. This is because ranchers need to have the ability to rope cattle out in the pastures to doctor them. There is a definite art to roping and on this episode, Bill explains it to us.

Episode 25


When shipping cattle, there's more to it then just loading them on the trucks. Bill enlightens us this episode with all the details on moving cattle across state lines!

Episode 26


What do some ranchers do for fun? Well, the answer might surprise you. Find out what that is on this episode of Bill on Beef.

Episode 27


It's almost time for the calves to be weaned from their mothers. But before that can happen, they need to get pre-conditioned. What does that mean? Find out on this episode of Bill on Beef.

Episode 28


On this episode, Bill thinks like a cow and shows us how important the design of corrals is to efficiency of getting them through a chute.

Episode 29


Hola. On this episode, Bill checks out cattle in Mexico for the Five Nations Beef Alliance. FNBA includes the national organizations representing beef cattle producers in Australia, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and the United States. Piensas que ellos dicen "Ah-ha" en Mexico con Bill?

Episode 30


Why do cowboys wear spurs? How do they help with horsemanship? Find out on this episode of Bill on Beef. 

Episode 31


How is selling bred females now going to help with putting more beef on people's tables? Find out in this episode of Bill on Beef.

Episode 32


Calves are born and right away, they start to get vitamins and nutrients from their mothers. After several months, it's time for the calves to not rely on Mom anymore. So, what happens next? Find out on this episode of Bill on Beef.

Episode 33


In this episode, Bill explains why ranchers are people of many hats. 

Episode 34


In the cattle business, like any other business, it's important to know when to sell and who will be the best buyer of your product. On this episode, Bill discusses why it's essential to have a solid marketing plan for your calves.

Episode 35


While at the grocery store, ever wonder about all the different steak choices? And why some cuts have more fat than others? On this episode, we head to the meat counter with Bill to learn about the beef products that end up on your plate.

Episode 36


What does the Free Trade Agreement and cattle tongues have in common? Find out on this week's episode of Bill on Beef!

Episode 37


What's so important about conventions? Why should ranchers attend their state and national ones? Find out on this episode of Bill on Beef and you might also see some special guests!

Episode 38


In this episode, Bill tells us about the code of ethics that cowboys live by. Which one is your favorite?

Episode 39


What's better than a mouth-watering roast right from the oven? On this episode, Bill...and Betsy...teach us how to cook the perfect roast!

Episode 40


Bill is talking sustainability of the beef industry on this episode of Bill on Beef. What do YOU think the beef industry needs to be sustainable?

Episode 41


What elements are needed to have a successful team?...especially for livestock associations. On this episode, Bill shares what he thinks teamwork is as depicted in a beautiful painting.

Episode 42


It's the Bill on Beef you've all been waiting for! Filmed in front of 3,500 cattlemen, at the 2012 Cattle Industry Convention in Nashville, Bill shares an exciting update about the child labor rule and thanks everyone for their dedication to the great beef industry!

Bill on NCBA Presidency and His Future


We're taking a bye week from Bill on Beef to feature Bill's outgoing message after finishing his time as the president of NCBA. He talks about how this past year has changed his view of the beef industry and his own ranch.

Episode 43


On this episode, Bill chats with an executive chef from Billings, Montana who was one of the first to be trained on how to properly prepare value cuts of beef. What is your favorite value cut and why?

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