PUBLISHER IN PRISON  — Thursday, I-O publisher Pat Lee, was given the opportunity to visit the Crossroads Correctional Center in Shelby along with four others to judge the pods decorated for Christmas. Snowflakes galore adorned this particular section of Pod F. Materials available for the inmates to use were paper and cardboard products.  I-O Photo by Pat Lee

The 127th Annual Montana Stockgrowers Association Convention and Trade Show, held at the Holiday Inn Grand Montana in Billings, Dec. 15-17, drew over 740 participants from across the state.

Nearly 100 people participated in the Young Stockgrowers events, representing the largest showing of that group at any convention.

“It was great to see all the young people at our meeting learning about our association and policy process, and really getting involved,” said Watty Taylor, MSGA’s president. “Although 2011 hasn’t been without its challenges, everyone seemed to be in high spirits thanks to the record high cattle market, the mild winter we’ve been having so far this year, and a chance to meet up with friends at convention time.”