Youngberg Announces Retirement at Midyear Meeting

by Courtney Kibblewhite

ANACONDA – Montana Farm Bureau Executive Director, John Youngberg, announced through tears of gratitude that he would be retiring from the organization after 30 years of service. Youngberg broke into tears multiple times during the opening session of the summer conference of the organization which he commented has been like family to him over the years.

Youngberg said, “It has been my great honor, my great pleasure to serve Farm Bureau and Montana Agriculture.”

Youngberg offered his thanks to many members who have supported him over the years and saluted his staff for their commitment.

Youngberg, who was raised in Clyde Park, started working for the state’s largest agricultural organization in February 1992 as the director of membership development. He quickly moved into a role in governmental relations, becoming a respected lobbyist in Helena and serving in that role for many years. He has worked through 15 regular legislative sessions and 11 special sessions.

In 2015, Youngberg became the MFBF executive vice president where he continued his work in governmental relations as well as being at the helm of the 20,000-member family organization.

“If I could have chosen my perfect job, working for Montana Farm Bureau would have been it. I’m fortunate to have spent many years with an organization I’ve greatly admired and enjoyed,” said Youngberg. “When you have worked somewhere for 30 years, who you become is because of that job. What kept me at Montana Farm Bureau has been the wonderful people involved with the organization, from our board, members and staff, to all of those people I met professionally in Helena and in other aspects of agriculture.”

Youngberg, who resides in Belgrade, was married in 1975, and he and his wife, Debe, have three children and two grandchildren.

Youngberg’s last day in Farm Bureau will be on August 1 after Director of Membership Relations, Scott Kulbeck will take over as the Interim Executive Director while the board searches for Youngberg’s replacement.

On behalf of everyone in Montana Agriculture, Northern Ag Network would like to thank John for using his gifts and passion to better our industry. We wish him much joy in his retirement!

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