Email: [email protected]
Hometown: Townsend
Elected: 2022
Industry Involvement: Hahn Ranch is a diversified, family-owned agricultural corporation that has been in business 112 years in Broadwater County. Hahn Ranch strives for high volume, highly efficient livestock and crop production. A cow/calf ranch, irrigated farm, small feedlot enterprise, and a trucking company comprise the core of the company’s business. There are currently three generations living on the ranch, two of which are actively involved in operating and growing the business. Dusty serves as an “operations manager,” and works hands-on with all aspects of the company. He also oversees seasonal employees and focuses on effectively organizing operations.
Leadership Service: Dusty is an advisory committee member for Broadwater Co. Extension Service’s Rancher Roundtable program, served as vice chair and chair of MSGA’s Water Subcommittee, and has been trustee, vice chair and chair of the Montana Stockgrowers Foundation. He was a delegate to the NCBA Young Cattlemen’s Conference, and participated in the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management Excellence in Ag leadership program.
Challenges Facing the Beef Industry: The biggest challenge to the beef industry in the next ten years revolves around the same challenge we have faced for the last 100 years: politics. As agriculturalists, we have a very keen focus on the physical and economic forces and influences that pressure our business. However, we do not always focus on or have a good grasp of the influence that politics play in our lives and our industry. The beef industry needs great leaders to navigate through the pitfalls of complex issues, opposing viewpoints, and unfavorable legislation. Leaders in the beef industry will be at the forefront of negotiating favorable policy at the local, state, federal, and international level. They must be the face and the voice of those they are representing. I believe most agriculturalists would rather stay in the country and do what they do best: produce. However, leaders must step forward and represent these interests. We all recognize the successful marketing campaign, “Beef… it’s what’s for dinner.” When speaking about politics, this saying is often used: “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” So it is imperative that we, as leaders, are involved in the political process to make sure that we have a seat at the table, and it’s beef that’s for dinner, not beef producers.