For your consideration are two Montana Stockgrowers Association canvas signs from Helena, Montana circa 1930-50s. One of the nation's first livestock organizations, the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA), was established in 1884. The cattle industry was just getting started at the time, and Montana was still a territory. Ranchers who wanted to collaborate to advance the livestock industry's interests and raise the caliber of their herds were the founding members of the MSGA. The absence of infrastructure to support the livestock industry was one of the MSGA's early problems. Since Montana didn't have any railroads at the time, moving cattle to markets outside the state was challenging. The MSGA worked to persuade railroad companies to build lines into Montana, which helped to open up new markets for Montana cattle. The MSGA participated in initiatives to control the cattle industry. Cattle breed and quality standards were nonexistent in the early years of the industry, which made it challenging for ranchers to sell their animals for fair prices. To make sure that ranchers were paid fairly for their cattle, the MSGA worked to establish breed standards and grading schemes. The MSGA has been involved in a variety of issues affecting the Montana livestock industry over the years. These have included initiatives to better grazing and water rights, combat government regulations that impeded ranchers' ability to operate, and promote ranching methods that are environmentally friendly. Today, the Montana Stockgrowers Association is still going strong, with a membership of over 2,000 ranchers across the state. The first and smaller sign shows an orange background and reads, "Member Montana Stockgrowers Association Protected" in black lettering at the top. Below that it reads, "$1000.00 Reward" in black lettering as well. The association would pay anyone with information on a persons who was stealing, maiming or killing any cattle owned by a member of the association. The bottom of the sign reads, Serving Montana's Cattle Industry Since 1884 / The Montana Stockgrowers Association, Inc. / Helena, Montana". The sign shows good condition with some wear and slight staining throughout but is still in good readable and display condition. This sign measures 14" L x 9 3/8" W. The second and larger sign in this collection shows a beige background. The sign reads, "Member M.S.G.A. Protected / $1000.00 Reward" in black lettering at the top. The sign says the association would pay anyone with information on a persons who was stealing, maiming or killing any cattle owned by a member of the association. The sign shows good readable and display condition with the bottom border being ripped off and the top right hand corner being slightly torn. This sign measures 14" L x 11 3/8" W.