BOZEMAN – The College of Agriculture at Montana State University is seeking nominations for its Outstanding Agricultural Leader award, which will be presented during the annual Celebrate Agriculture Weekend Nov. 3-4 at MSU. The deadline to submit nominations is Aug. 30.
The award recognizes individuals, families or businesses that have gone above and beyond for the Montana agricultural industry in the realms of public service, advocacy, production or business. Awardees will be honored during the Celebrate Ag breakfast event on Nov. 4 ahead of the Bobcat football agriculture appreciation game against the Northern Arizona University Lumberjacks.
Nominations can be submitted online at ag.montana.edu/celebrateag/aggie_nomination.html. Jay Bodner of Helena received the award in 2022.
“Celebrate Agriculture Weekend is always a highlight of our fall semester, and the opportunity to recognize the many people who help our agricultural industry thrive is something we look forward to all year,” said MSU Vice President for Agriculture and Dean Sreekala Bajwa. “Collaboration and connection are what make our work so gratifying, and welcoming our friends and colleagues to Bozeman is always a welcome opportunity to deepen those connections.”
The selection committee for the Outstanding Agricultural Leader award comprises past chairpersons of the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station Advisory Council; the College of Agriculture’s Academic Advisory Committee and development board; a current faculty member; and a member of the College of Agriculture Student Advisory Council.
To be considered for the award, nominees must be well respected in their agricultural community with accomplishments that have wide impact; be an industry leader or an emerging and active innovative producer; and be actively involved in the agriculture industry.
Active MSU or government employees are only eligible for the award’s “Friend of the COA/MAES” category. Retired university or government employees will be considered if they have been retired for at least two years and have shown service above and beyond their job description. Nominees who are not selected will be reconsidered in future years, but application forms should be updated.
Hard copies of the nomination form can be requested by calling the College of Agriculture dean’s office at 406-994-3681. Celebrate Agriculture Weekend is an annual event to honor Montana’s agricultural legacy and current and future agricultural leaders, producers and students. For more information about Celebrate Agriculture and a full agenda, visit ag.montana.edu/celebrateag/.
Check out this list of the past Outstanding Agricultural Leaders!
2022
Jay Bodner, Helena/Raynesford
2021
Dave Kelsey, Molt
2019
Buzz Mattelin, Culbertson
2018
Ron Ueland, Butte (awarded posthumously)
2017
David Oien, Ulm
2016
Jim Hagenbarth, Dillon
2015
Max & Kirsti Cederberg, Turner
Lola Raska, Belt
2014
Don Burnham, Helena
Sky Anderson & Monica Switzer, Shields Valley
2013
Bing Von Bergen, Moccasin
Tom & Mary Kay Milesnick, Belgrade
Friend of College/Station: Senator Max Baucus
2012
Dale Schuler, Carter
Larry and Madge Pilster, Alzada
2011
Diana Alkire, Bozeman
Dan Lake, Ronan
Richard Owen, Geraldine
2010
Dan Kidd, Big Sandy
Janice Mattson, Chester
2009
John Swanz, Judith Gap
John Youngberg, Belgrade
2008
Taylor Brown, Huntley
Les Graham, Bozeman
2007
John Paugh, Belgrade
2006
Gary Broyles, Rapelje
Lochiel Edwards, Big Sandy
Tom Jurenka, Hysham
2005
Jon and Sharla Tester, Big Sandy
Tom and Carol Peterson, Wilsall
Jake Cummins, Bozeman
2004
Bob Hanson, White Sulphur Springs
Donald Fast, Glasgow
Chuck McGlothlin, Park City
Gene Surber, Bozeman
2003
Robert, Ann and Earl Boettcher, Big Sandy
Harlin and Jodi Steiger, Forsyth
2002
Kevin Halverson, Big Timber
David L. McClure, Lewistown
Public service to ag: Greg Bennett, Ronan
Public service to ag: Senator Conrad Burns
2001
Vern and Naomi Pluhar, Cohagen
Greg Gould, Aimee Hachigian-Gould & sons Brandon and Andrew, Ulm
2000
Don and Bernadine Lake, Ronan
Ralph Peck, Helena
Ole Ueland, Silver Bow and Deer Lodge counties
1999
Lynn Cornwell, Glasgow
Don Herzog, Rapelje
Bob Bellows, Miles City
Magnus Aasheim, Antelope
1998
Bob Thoft, Stevensville
Don Steinbeisser, Sidney
Bill Jones, Choteau
Kathleen Hanson, Melville
1997
Marie Hovland, Great Falls
Glenn and Mary Ann Moore, Billings
Mark and Nancy Peterson, Havre
John and Florence Young, Decker
1996
Bill and Charlotte Mathers, Miles City
Terry Murphy, Cardwell
Mack and Dorothea Quinn, Big Sandy
1995
Larry and Molly Descheemaeker, Lewistown
Dean and Hope Folkvord, Three Forks
Bob and Kathy Lee, Judith Gap
John “Bud” and Joanne Leuthold, Billings
Chuck and Stephanie Merja, Sun River
Rick and Mary Sampsen, Dagmar
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MSU News Service
