Hometown: Dodson
Industry Involvement: Lesley is a fourth generation Phillips County rancher. She and her husband Jim have been married for 35 years and ranch near Zortman. They have a commercial cow/calf and yearling operation, and both she and Jim have ranched their entire lives. The family-run ranch has been in the Robinson family since moving from the Miles City area in 1958. Their daughter Kirsty and her husband John own and operate a ranch near Riverton, Wyoming.
Leadership Service: Lesley has served as president of the Phillips County Livestock Association and Phillips County CattleWomen, was on the MSGA Board from 1996-2000, served on the Montana Beef Council and as Education Committee chair, and was on the MSGA Foundation Board for 8 years. Other leadership positions include the Phillco Economic Growth Countil Executive Board, Bear Paw Development Executive Board, Phillips Transit Authority Board Chair, State Director for Congressman Greg Gianforte, Montana Board of Dentistry, Joint Powers Trust Board Executive Committee, Montana Assn. of Counties Public Lands Committee Chair, National Assn. of Counties Executive Board Western Region Representative, Nat’l Assn. of Counties Public Lands Committee, and Western Interstate Region Board President.
Challenges facing the beef industry: “The challenges in the beef industry somewhat change but we seem to continue facing similar challenges that the generations before us also faced. Marketing our products and increasing demand is always a challenge, including ensuring we receive prices that are equitable. “We continually have outside threats to our livelihoods that we have to find ways to minimize or neutralize. I’m from Phillips County so I could list several examples of this. Our ranch is checkerboarded with public lands. My first trip to DC in 1996 was with the Montana Public Lands Council. We visited congressional offices and told them our story to try to lessen the impacts to public lands grazers that were being proposed by that administration. These issues come and go based on the views of each current administration. “It is important to stay informed and involved in all aspects of our industry. Meeting with and getting to know the people that we work with on all levels is very crucial to being successful. Building respectful relationships on the local, state and federal levels are imperative. I’m not saying that you have to agree but respectfully disagreeing goes a long way. Our ancestors braved the obstacles put before them and I feel if we stick together we will continue to brave the storms in our industry.”
Email: [email protected]