The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is pleased to announce the addition of Ava Budde of Whitehall and Emma Quist of Butte as MSGA’s 2026 summer interns. While both will contribute to MSGA’s work this summer, they represent two distinct internship programs supporting different areas of the organization.
Ava Budde has been selected as MSGA’s 2026 Marketing and Communications Intern, an educational opportunity made possible by the Montana Stockgrowers Foundation. Budde, a senior at the University of Wyoming majoring in agricultural communications, brings a strong background in advocacy, communications, and hands-on agricultural experience to the role. A third-generation rancher, she is deeply committed to promoting and strengthening the beef industry.
Budde previously earned her associate’s degree in agricultural business from Northwest College, where she was a member of the livestock judging team and was named Agriculture Student of the Year. She has since expanded her experience through agricultural journalism and media, contributing as a writing intern for the Western Ag Reporter since 2024.
Emma Quist will serve as a policy intern for MSGA through the Max Baucus Institute’s Baucus Leaders program. Quist, a Butte native, will graduate from the University of Montana this May with a degree in Political Science, with an emphasis in international relations and comparative politics. She has also earned a certificate in philosophy, politics, and law, along with minors in history and democracy studies.
Quist brings a strong interest in public service and policy, with plans to attend law school in the near future. Through her internship, she will support MSGA’s policy team and gain hands-on experience in legislative and regulatory processes impacting Montana’s ranching community.
The Max Baucus Institute is a Montana-based nonprofit that connects college and university students with high-impact opportunities in public service, global engagement, and leadership development. Through placements across Montana, on Capitol Hill, and in immersive international experiences, the Institute equips students with real-world skills, professional networks, and the confidence to lead.
The MSGA summer internship program was created to provide students with a hands-on experience of the various facets of association event planning and execution, policy development, social media engagement and coverage, and member engagement. This educational opportunity is made possible by support from the Montana Stockgrowers Foundation.
MSGA will offer additional internship opportunities during its Annual Convention and Trade Show in December. Applications for 2026 are being accepted through September 15, 2026. Students can learn more about applying at www.mtbeef.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.
CONTACT:
Keni Reese Lairy
Director of Marketing & Communications
(406) 442-3420
[email protected]
To view more MSGA news, visit https://mtbeef.org/news/
