Montana Stockgrowers Association Seeks Nominations for Ranching Woman of the Year

Montana Stockgrowers Association Seeks Nominations for Ranching Woman of the Year

The Montana Stockgrowers Association is seeking nominations for the 2016 Montana Ranching Woman of the Year. The annual award is presented to an MSGA member who has made great contributions to the Montana ranching community and has gone above and beyond to support their family and friends. Nominations are due October 31 and the recipient will be recognized at MSGA’s annual convention in Billings, December 7-9.

“Women are the backbone of Montana’s ranching communities. These women go above and beyond to support their immediate family members and pitch in whenever the need arises in their communities,” said Gene Curry, MSGA President from Valier. “We look forward to recognizing these accomplished women each year at our annual convention and thanking them for their hard work.”

Last year’s recipient of the Ranching Woman of the Year was Lila Taylor, who ranches with her husband, Watty, near Kirby. Lila has served in the Montana House of Representatives and on the Montana Board of Regents. She currently serves on the Montana Higher Education Student Assistance Corporation Board and Student Assistant Foundation Board. In 2015 she was appointed to a seat on the Montana Board of Livestock by Governor Bullock.

Past recipients of the award include Bev Fryer of White Sulphur Springs, Glenna Stucky of Avon, Floydena Garrison of Glen, Helen Hougen of Melstone, Marian Hanson of Ashland, Carol Mosher of Augusta and Donna Sitz-Arthun of Billings.

Nomination letters submitted by family or close friends should identify a ranching woman, who is a member of Montana Stockgrowers, describe her role on the ranch, and the characteristics that set her apart when supporting the family and ranch, as well as describe her involvement in community efforts. Biographies should include the ranching woman’s hometown, family members, and number of years involved in ranching activities.

Nominations should be submitted to the Montana Stockgrowers office by October 31, 2015 via mail (420 N. California, Helena, MT 59601) or email ([email protected]). For more information contact the MSGA office at (406) 442-3420 or visit mtbeef.org/ranching-woman.