Meet the Leadership Series | Justin M. Iverson

Meet the Leadership Series | Justin M. Iverson

Justin M. Iverson

Hometown

Potomac

About

3rd generation Montanan working on the family cow/calf operation.
Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Montana in Health and Human Performance; Go Griz! Married to a wonderful 5th generation Montanan.

Occupation

Rancher, Greenough Potomac Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief

What sparked your interest in agriculture?

Mom and Dad kicked each son in our family off the ranch to find our own path. After 12 years of living in rural Central Oregon, I am the first to figure out that I really wanted to be back on the home place. I spent the last five years there in a suit and tie in an office and couldn’t wait to get back to Montana for long weekends branding, haying, farming, or building fence. In 2012 we pulled the trigger, sold our house in Oregon, and relocated to Potomac. The desire to work closely with family and the land was a powerful motivator.

What makes a great leader?

Experience makes a great leader. The practical application of knowledge gained in the classroom and copious amounts of patience and forgiveness from those we lead builds that experience.

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

I would learn to play the Mandolin. It is impossible to not have a good time when someone plays an instrument around a fire.

Where do you hope to be in five years?

In five years I will be on the ranch wrapping up another calving season, energized for one more year. I hope to be involved in leadership positions within the ranching community locally and statewide.

What do you hope to gain from the leadership series?

At the end of the day I want to be a better producer. Utilizing the knowledge and skills from the program to create the necessary environment for that success is the challenge.