Three Forks Native Recipient of CattleWomen’s Scholarship

Lilly BroggerThe 2015 Montana Cattlewomen’s Memorial Scholarship has been awarded to Lilly Brogger, a senior at Montana State University, Bozeman. Lilly is majoring in English Writing with a minor in Agricultural Business. She has already aligned herself on her career path by writing agriculture-related articles for the school newspaper, The MSU Exponent. Lilly’s plan is to become a Professional Agricultural Journalist.

Lilly is the daughter of Marc and Lola Brogger of Three Forks, Montana. Coming from a ranch background herself, Lilly knows she can be a bridge between the producer and consumer. “No community can function without good communication,” states Lilly, “and part of good communication is working with the opposition”.

With all of the misconceptions in today’s world of “where our food comes from” and the extremely high percentage of people who are uneducated or misinformed as to our role as farmers and ranchers, the challenge to clearly communicate is enormous. Lilly recognizes the importance and the need for writers with an ag background, who can more easily and effectively share the agricultural community’s story.

The Montana Cattlewomen’s Scholarship is in the amount of $1,000 and is funded through memorials. This scholarship was established in 1963, which makes this the 53rd consecutive year it has been awarded to a worthy student.

As a voice for the producer, Lilly Brogger will surely be an asset to the agriculture and livestock industry.  Congratulations Lilly – The Montana Cattlewomen are proud to invest in you!

Montana CattleWomen Offer $1000 Memorial Scholarship

mtCattlewomenFor the 53rd consecutive year, the Montana CattleWomen are offering a $1,000 scholarship to a Montana resident. Applicants must be enrolled in a Montana college or university, be at least a sophomore with a 2.7 or better GPA. Preference will be given to an applicant majoring a field beneficial to the livestock industry.

The scholarship will be awarded to a student based on a balance of grades, citizenship and financial need. Last year’s recipient was Ariel Overstreet-Adkins, originally of Big Timber, who is currently a student at the University of Montana School of Law.

Application forms are available at college Financial Aid Offices throughout Montana or online at MontanaCattleWomen.org. Completed applications must be submitted to the Montana CattleWomen office (420 N. California, Helena, MT 59601) and postmarked no later than April 15, 2015. For questions or more information, contact the Scholarship Chair, Lindsey Habets at (406) 861-8655 or email [email protected].

This memorial scholarship is funded entirely by donations given in memory of friends and loved ones of Montana CattleWomen.

$1,000 Educational Heritage Scholarship Application Due April 1

reefLogoMontana Stockgrowers Association’s Research & Education Endowment Foundation (REEF) is offering an Educational Heritage Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. This annual scholarship is awarded to a MSGA student member.

Last year’s scholarship recipient was Ariel Overstreet Adkins of Big Timber, MT. Upon receiving the 2014 award, Ariel, a student at the University of Montana School of Law said, “this scholarship means a tremendous amount to my family and I as we work to pay for school. Scholarships allow students like me to graduate with less debt, which is significant because it means that I am going to be able to work on issues for the people I care about.”

To be eligible for the Educational Heritage Scholarship, students must currently be enrolled in college and have completed at least one semester of coursework, be a member of Montana Stockgrowers Association, and demonstrate a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.

Applicants must complete the application form (mtbeef.org/educational-heritage-scholarship), include a copy of their current transcript, write a 500-word essay discussing their educational pursuits and what they hope to do with their education, and include two letters of recommendation.

Applications must be completed and postmarked or mailed no later than April 1, 2015.

For more information on these scholarships and to apply online, visit the MSGA website at mtbeef.org. For questions, please email Jesse Gill at [email protected]. If you are interested in these scholarships but are not currently a member of MSGA, join today. Student memberships start at just $20.

The Research and Education Endowment Foundation (REEF) of the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established to provide resources for education and research that supports the Montana Stockgrowers Association in enhancing the Montana ranching community, as excellent environmental stewards, in their production of healthy beef for the world.

 

Public Lands Council Logo

Public Lands Council Offers Scholarships for Legislative Conference in D.C.

The Public Lands Council is once again offering two Nick Theos scholarships of $250, complimentary hotel accommodations on Capitol Hill, and complimentary conference registration to attend the annual Spring Legislative Conference in Washington, DC, March 23-26, 2015.

PLC represents public lands ranchers in Washington, DC. Since 1968, PLC has worked with Congress and the federal land management agencies to maintain a stable business environment in which livestock producers can conserve the West and feed the nation and world.

Nick Theos, a founding member of PLC and great supporter of the livestock industry, passed away on April 11th, 2013 at the age of 92. It is because of the Theos family and the Nick Theos PLC Scholarship Program that young people are able to attend our annual Legislative Conference in Washington, DC.

In an effort to get more college students involved with PLC issues and provide them with an unforgettable learning experience, we are offering this chance to meet members of Congress and their staff; attend meetings with agency officials; and hear from the leading experts and influencers in the industry. Scholars will be able to actively participate in our efforts to promote and support public lands grazing at our Nation’s Capital.

Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in public lands ranching. We ask that they complete the attached form and include a letter of recommendation from a teacher or professor, FFA mentor, livestock association, or other leader that can attest to the professionalism and interest of the applicant. If selected, applicants should be prepared to give short remarks to meeting attendees during lunch on Tuesday, March 24th.  PLC will provide hotel rooms and registration fees. Sponsorships to help cover travel costs are encouraged.

Application forms and letters of recommendation are due by COB Friday, February 6, 2015. The PLC Executive Committee will select the two recipients and PLC staff will notify them by Friday, February 13th.

The 2015 PLC Nick Theos Scholarship Application is available by clicking here.

National Cattlemen’s Foundation Accepting Applications for Beef Industry Scholarship

National-Cattlemens-Foundation-logoDENVER – Applications for 2015-16 beef industry scholarships sponsored by the CME Group are now being accepted. Ten scholarships of $1,500 each will be awarded to outstanding students pursuing careers in the beef industry.

Students studying education, communication, production, research or other areas related to the beef industry should consider applying for the scholarship. Applicants must be a graduating high school senior or full-time undergraduate student enrolled at a two or four year college.

The National Cattlemen’s Foundation administers the program. Applicants for the 2015-16 scholarship will be required to write a one page letter expressing future career goals related to the beef industry. They also must write a 750 word essay describing an issue in the beef industry and offering solutions to this problem.

Applications should be submitted by Dec. 19, 2014 and sent to National Cattlemen’s Foundation, 9110 E. Nichols Ave., Suite 300, Centennial, CO 80112. The winning recipients will be announced on Jan. 15, 2015.

For more information visit www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org. Click here for the online application form.

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The National Cattlemen’s Foundation is advancing the future of the beef industry with passion and urgency.

NILE Merit Heifer Applications Now Online!

nile merit heifer programThe Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE) is once again taking applications for participants in the 2014 – 2015 NILE Merit Heifer Program.  The Merit Heifer program is a “live animal” scholarship that strives to help youth get a start in the beef cattle business by awarding heifer calves to participants chosen based on merit, future goals, and ability to care for the animal. Any youth ages 12-16, who is a 4-H or FFA member, may apply.

Applications must be postmarked no later than September 15.  An application is available online at www.thenile.org or by calling the NILE office.

During the program duration, participants are responsible for raising the heifer, arranging for her to be bred, completing the record keeping procedure and bringing the animal back one year later as a bred replacement heifer for exhibit at the NILE Stock Show.

Bill Pelton, Merit Heifer Chairman, says, “This program would not be possible without the generous support of our donor ranchers and we are very grateful to them.”  This year the NILE will select twenty-five recipients and match them up with donors from across the region.  In addition to application from eligible recipients, the NILE is also taking applications from ranches wishing to participate through the donation of a heifer calf.

All application must be postmarked by September 15, 2014.  For more information and applications regarding the Merit Heifer Program, please go to:  www.thenile.org or call the NILE office at 406.256.2495.

Fantastic Outcome for Foundation at MSGA’s Mid-Year Meeting

MSGA's Foundation Trustees at Mid-Year Meeting 2014.

MSGA’s Foundation Trustees at Mid-Year Meeting 2014.

The 2014 Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Mid Year Meeting in Miles City provided a fantastic outcome for the Research & Education Endowment Foundation (REEF). At multiple fundraising events throughout Mid Year, the Foundation brought in generous donations, totaling more than $15,000, to help support Montana’s youth via scholarships and educational opportunities for the ranching community.

This year, the Foundation was lucky to receive many auction items donated from Montana ranchers and the community. REEF trustees also hosted a fundraiser pancake breakfast for meeting attendees on Saturday morning. The proceeds from the events go to the Foundation’s scholarship funds.

This year’s auction items included an original commissioned David Graham painting, along with several prints, featuring generations working together on the ranch; a beautiful saddle from the Pilster family of Alzada, honoring their late son, Shawn Pilster; and a Montana State University football package that consisted of Athletic Director box seats and a gift certificate to Ferraros in Bozeman. The auction items brought in over $13,500 to support REEF scholarship funds.

During the Ranch Tour dinner, the Foundation honored this year’s Montana Educational Heritage Scholarship winner, Ariel Overstreet-Adkins. She is currently attending law school at the University of Montana with hopes to one day help Montana’s ranchers with legal issues in the areas of Natural Resources.

The Foundation also transitioned its chairman seat from Dusty Hahn of Townsend to John Grande of Martinsdale. “I’ve really enjoyed my time on the Trustee board and seeing the Foundation go to the next level in educating youth and our membership,” said Hahn after completing his five year term as REEF Chairman. Nancy Ereaux of Malta was voted in as vice-chair.

If you missed this year’s Mid-Year Meeting and would like to contribute to the Foundation, please visit www.mtbeef.org/reef to learn about ways you can help. Also, follow us on Facebook and Twitter for daily news and features.

We want to thank those in attendance for their support of the Foundation. The Montana ranching community wouldn’t be the same without you.

Foundation Trustees with auction items.jpg

Some of the Foundation Trustees pictured with the auctioned saddle and painting.

Ariel Overstreet-Adkins with Dusty Hahn.

Ariel Overstreet-Adkins with Dusty Hahn.

Dusty Hahn, Outgoing Foundation Chairman

Dusty Hahn, Outgoing Foundation Chairman

John Grande, Incoming Foundation Chairman

John Grande, Incoming Foundation Chairman

 

Winner of the Montana Educational Heritage Scholarship

Ariel - Scholarship Winner.jpgEach year, the Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Foundation awards a student with the Montana Educational Heritage Scholarship, worth $1,000. This year, we are proud to announce that Ariel Overstreet-Adkins has been selected as the winner.

Ariel served as MSGA’s director of communications for five years and has been actively involved in bettering the ranching industry through journalism, lobbying and leadership roles. Currently, Ariel is attending the University of Montana School of Law where she is pursuing a juris doctor (J.D.) degree. She says her goal is to become a more effective advocate for agriculture and rural Montana and focus on natural resource and environmental water law.

“I believe that having strong advocates for agriculture with legal experience and expertise will be very important for the future of our industry,” said Ariel.

Ariel grew up on a small horse ranch outside of Big Timber and attended high school in Reed Point. She went on to study at Princeton University, earning a degree in cultural anthropology with honors. Her senior thesis “High School Rodeo: Growing Up Cowboy,” was based on original field research at high school rodeos in Montana, and was awarded the Senior Thesis Prize in Anthropology.

While working for MSGA, Ariel learned about the many different issues facing Montana’s ranching families, which is what inspired her to go to law school.

“I believe a law degree will help me work to ensure the continued influence of agriculture and rural Montana, and improve the legal, policy, and business climate for farmers and ranchers in Montana and the nation,” said Ariel.

Ariel also volunteers with groups like the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame, Montana Board of Milk Control, Rural Advocacy League, Princeton Alumni Schools Committee and the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance.

“I was honored and thrilled to be selected for the scholarship. I am so thankful to the great people involved in REEF and MSGA for the assistance and support in my pursuit of a law degree,” said Ariel. 

If you’d like to help support Montana’s students, please consider making a donation to the Foundation. In order to keep our scholarship program active, we need your help! Please call our office at (406) 442-3420 for questions or email Lauren: [email protected].

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Montana Range Days Scholarship Applications Havre Montana

Montana Range Days Offers Three Scholarships – Due April 30

Montana Range Days Scholarship Applications Havre MontanaMontana Range Days, Inc. is an annual event that celebrates the importance of range and provides opportunities for learning about range and range management. To encourage young people to continue with education and careers in Range Science and related fields, three scholarships are offered through Montana Range Days.

Montana Range Days Scholarship ($1,000.00)

To assist young Montanan’s education of rangeland, Montana Range Days, Inc. has established the Montana Range Days Scholarship. To be eligible, the applicant must be majoring in Range Science or a related field. The scholarship winner will be awarded $1,000.00 upon successful completion of the semester of college.

Harold and Lillian Jensen Scholarship ($1,000.00)

Harold and Lillian Jensen, long time ranchers from Baker, established a scholarship of $1,000.00 annually, to assist a young person who has an interest in Range Science. Harold was a past Chairman of the Montana Range Days, Inc. Steering Committee, and was the local Chairman for the 1985 and 1986 Range Days events hosted in Baker by the Fallon county Range Committee. The recipient must be present for the presentation of this scholarship at Range Days in June! The Scholarship has to be used at a Montana University or college.

Bob Sitz Memorial Scholarship ($1,000.00)

Bob Sitz was a rancher committed to improving range management. He believed in the youth of Montana and sought to ensure a bright future for Montana’s rangeland through education. Bob was a strong supporter of Montana Range Days. In memory of Bob, the Sitz Family has established a scholarship of $1,000.00 annually and to be announced at Montana Range Days. The winner will receive this scholarship upon successful completion of one semester at a Montana university or college.

Montana Range Days, Inc. is committed to providing learning opportunities, which enable participants to develop a better understanding of the importance of Montana’s rangelands. To further this commitment, Montana Range Days, Inc. encourages high school seniors or college students to apply for the Montana Range Days Scholarships. Members of the Montana Range, Inc. Steering Committee will select the scholarship winners based on the following criteria:

  1. Involvement in range activities and youth events.
  2. Leadership in school and community activities.
  3. Academic achievement.
  4. Financial need.

Applications must be received by the Montana Range Days, Inc. Steering Committee by April 30, 2014. Submitting one application qualifies the applicant for all three (3) scholarships. For more details and a copy of the application form, visit the Montana Range Days website.

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Scholarship Available: Montana Educational Heritage

The Montana Stockgrowers Association’s Research & Education Endowment Foundation is offering a scholarship for one MSGA member student.

Montana Educational Heritage Scholarship PromoFor current college students, the Montana Educational Heritage Scholarship of $1,000 is available. To be eligible, students must be currently enrolled in college and have completed at least one semester in college, be a member of MSGA, or have at least one parent who is a member, and demonstrate a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.

Applicants must complete the application form, include a copy of their current transcript, write a 500-word essay discussing their educational pursuits and what they hope to do with their education, and include two letters of recommendation.

Applications are due April 15, 2014. You can apply online at bit.ly/REEF2014EHS

Kelsey Haughian Heritage Award “The Foundation’s continued support of college students is imperative for ranchers like me to further our education goals. The scholarship I received has allowed me to feel financially secure in my junior year of college at Montana State University,” said Kelsey Haughian, 2013 award recipient from Miles City, MT.

For more information on these scholarships and to apply online, visit the Montana Stockgrowers Association’s website at www.mtbeef.org/reef.aspx. For questions, please email Lauren Chase at [email protected]. If you are interested in these scholarships but are not currently a member of MSGA, join today. Student memberships start at just $20.

 

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