Montana State University Extension and the Montana Feed Association will co-host the 75th annual Montana Nutrition Conference and Livestock Forum on April 15 and 16 at the Best Western Plus GranTree Inn in Bozeman, according to an April 9 announcement.
The event marks a significant milestone, celebrating seven decades of partnership focused on advancing animal nutrition and livestock management. The conference aims to bring together experts, producers, consultants, students, and industry representatives to discuss both historical perspectives and current innovations in livestock systems.
This year’s theme is “Tradition Meets Innovation: 75 Years of Stewardship, Science and Shaping Tomorrow.” Topics include cattle size perspectives, connections between precision livestock technology and animal nutrition models, prevention strategies for coccidiosis disease in cattle, as well as outlooks on cattle and crop markets. Marty Ropp, founder of New Acres—a nonprofit established in 2024—will deliver the keynote address titled “Bringing New Hands, New Ideas and New Energy into the Agricultural Workforce.” Ropp’s organization seeks to address agricultural labor shortages by connecting employers with those interested in agriculture careers who may have little or no experience.
Undergraduate and graduate students from MSU’s Department of Animal and Range Sciences will present research during a networking social that includes a poster contest. A trade show will also be held with industry representatives showcasing products relevant to livestock production. The conference commemorates its origins from a meeting held in Great Falls in 1948 when attendees supported forming an event focused on animal nutrition with Montana State College (now MSU), as described by Clyde McKee, then dean of agriculture.
Sam Wyffels, MSU Extension beef cattle specialist and assistant professor in the Department of Animal and Range Sciences said: “This year’s conference reflects both its history and its continued focus on forward-looking topics such as cattle size and efficiency, nutrition on western rangelands, animal health, precision livestock technology and feed ingredient markets. Whether you’re a producer, consultant, Extension professional or student, the Montana Nutrition Conference and Livestock Forum offers timely information and meaningful connections to support decision making in today’s livestock systems.”
Montana State University leads research funding efforts within the state with annual expenditures exceeding $288 million according to the official website. The university enrolls about 17,165 students split evenly between residents and nonresidents according to the official website. It is ranked among the top five percent of global universities by the Center for World University Rankings according to its official website.
As Montana’s land-grant institution based in Bozeman offering extensive academic programs amid vast wilderness areas—and leading research initiatives—the university focuses on addressing key challenges through education outreach according to its official website. It also contributes broadly through volunteer efforts aimed at enhancing lives across communities according to its official website.