The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation (MSF) Heritage Scholarship Program is pleased to announce its nine students receiving $26,000 in scholarships awards. Recipients demonstrated a passion for agriculture, leadership, and continuing the legacy of Montana’s ranching heritage.
The Education Heritage Scholarship is designed for college students who are pursuing a four-year degree that strengthens and advances Montana’s ranching industry. Four scholarships were awarded in the amounts of $6,000 to Paul Bergin, $4,000 to Mariah Creason, and $3,000 to Finn Graveley and Hayden Lane.
- Paul Bergin is a fifth-generation Montana rancher who grew up in Melstone and is currently attending Montana State University (MSU) pursuing a double major in animal science with a livestock option and agricultural business with a farm and ranch management option. Bergin is also completing a minor in precision agriculture and finishing his pre-veterinary certificate.
- Mariah Creason grew up on a diversified livestock operation south of Livingston where she operates a grade A dairy, runs commercial Angus cattle, and a small farm flock of sheep. Creason is a past 4-H member and is entering her senior year at MSU studying animal science-livestock management.
- Finn Graveley grew up on his family’s cow-calf operation in Avon, Montana, and is currently a freshman at Mount Marty University in South Dakota, staying active in athletics and student government. Graveley intends to return to his agricultural roots by pursuing a degree in animal science at MSU, with plans to attend in 2027.
- Hayden Lane was raised on a ranch in Southeast Montana, where she developed a strong foundation in the cattle industry through hands-on experience and active involvement. Currently attending Oklahoma State University, she is pursuing a degree in agricultural business with a minor in marketing.
The Over Educated Cowboy Scholarship was created following the passing of Raymond Ansotegui to honor his passion for the ranching lifestyle and education. Applicants awarded must be seeking a profession in the field of animal husbandry. Each recipient of the Over Educated Cowboy Scholarship was awarded $2,000.
- Grace Arthaud, originally from Medora, North Dakota, is currently studying agricultural communications and animal science at MSU while serving as the social media officer for the MSU Collegiate Stockgrowers. After graduation, Arthaud plans to pursue a career as an agricultural reporter, with the long-term goal of starting her own seedstock marketing company.
- Tyler Kleinsasser is from Box Elder, South Dakota, and is currently attending South Dakota School of Mines, majoring in engineering. Post-graduation, Kleinsasser plans to pursue a challenging and rewarding career that positively affects the livestock industry.
- Taryn Martinell grew up on her family’s commercial cow/calf operation in Dell and will be a senior at MSU in the fall of 2026, pursuing a degree in animal science-livestock management. She plans to continue her passion in the agriculture industry and is committed to applying innovative strategies for sustainable livestock management and production agriculture.
The Career and Technical Scholarship supports students furthering their education at vocational, career, trade, or technical institutes aiming to strengthen Montana’s workforce. In its first year, MSF awarded two $2,000 scholarships.
- Eli Heil hails from Bigfork and is a graduating senior at Flathead High School with a strong passion for machinery and heavy equipment. Heil plans to attend Montana Tech University in the fall to pursue a degree in civil engineering technology.
- Kaden Kipp was raised on his family’s cattle operation near Cut Bank. Kipp is a high school senior attending Cut Bank Schools with plans to attend Flathead Valley Community College in the fall to pursue a degree in welding and fabrication.
MSF’s Heritage Scholarship Program honors the past, supports the present, and invests in the future of Montana’s ranching community. The program includes multiple scholarship opportunities for students pursuing higher education in a variety of fields—from university degrees that strengthen and advance the ranching industry, to vocational and technical training that builds the skilled workforce Montana depends on.
To learn more, visit www.mtbeeffoundation.org.
The Montana Stockgrowers Association is a grassroots membership organization and is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers. With over 140 years of history, MSGA advocates and ensures cattle ranching remains relevant, safe and a sustainable way of life for generations to come.
The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation (MSF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and was established to ensure the future of Montana’s cattle industry through producer and public education, and promotion of MSGA programs. The Foundation supports the next generation by offering educational programs, academic scholarships and providing leadership opportunities.
MEDIA CONTACT
Keni Reese
Director of Marketing & Communications
(406) 442-3420
To view more MSGA news, visit https://mtbeef.org/news/
