The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is proud to announce the Agriculture Labor Summit, taking place January 21–22, 2026, at the Northern Hotel in Billings. Developed in response to feedback MSGA received during Producer Profitability Initiative listening sessions, this first-of-its-kind event was created to address the ongoing labor shortage, one of the most pressing challenges facing Montana’s agricultural industry.
Bringing together producers, industry leaders, and policy experts, the two-day summit will foster collaboration, share solutions, and spark dialogue to strengthen the future of Montana’s agricultural workforce. The Summit will explore potential solutions including strengthening domestic labor pipelines, and improving access to non-immigrant labor programs such as H-2A.
The conference will kick off on Wednesday, January 21, with day one focused on the domestic labor workforce—setting the stage for collaboration and learning. The second day, January 22, will transition to a broader conversation on non-immigrant labor. Attendees will have the chance to connect with peers, share experiences, and forge new partnerships.
Joining MSGA are organizations who share a commitment to securing the future of agriculture in Montana have joined together to bring this Summit to farmers and ranchers. Partner organizations include the Montana Agribusiness Association, Montana Association of State Grazing Districts, Montana Grain Growers Association, Montana Pork Producers Council, and Montana Wool Growers Association.
This conference is also made possible by generous support from the Browning Kimball Foundation, Livestock Marketing Association, Montana Department of Agriculture, Montana Department of Livestock, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Rangeland Resources Program, Montana Pulse Crop Committee, Montana State University Dan Scott Ranch Management Program, Montana Stockgrowers Foundation, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Corn Growers Association, and Western Ag Network. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for this event.
Registration for the Ag Labor Summit will open in early November and individuals interested in attending are encouraged to visit the Ag Labor Summit event page for more information, speaker announcements, and to register for the event.
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 Agricultural Business Association represents retailers, purchasers, resellers, and developers of agricultural products including fertilizer, chemical, seed, and biotechnology. MABA provides proactive leadership to assure the viability of Montana agribusiness by supporting economically sound and environmentally responsible legislation and regulations and collaborating with other groups to advance a positive agriculture and business climate.
The Montana Association of State Grazing Districts consists of twenty-six grazing districts spanning across the eastern side of Montana and includes rancher and farmer members who raise livestock. These cooperative grazing areas include federal grazing lands mingled with state, county and private lands-encompassing more than 10 million acres and allows for the greatest use of range forage, while conserving limited natural resources.
The Montana Grain Growers Association is a commodity specific organization that represents the interests of the Montana wheat and barley growers. We are passionate about improving the lives of Montana producers through collaboration, innovation, and influencing agricultural policy.
The Montana Pork Producers Council (MPPC) is a nonprofit supporting Montana’s pork industry through producer education, Pork Checkoff program administration, and advocacy for animal health and sustainability. Since 1959, MPPC has worked with state and national partners to advance pork production and emergency preparedness.
The Montana Wool Growers Association was established in 1883, making it the state’s oldest agriculture organization. Growers in 1883 were concerned over wool and lamb imports, grazing on public domain, predator control, and expanding the markets for both lamb and wool, the very issues concerning producers today. MWGA advocates for and works on behalf of Montana’s farm and ranch interests, namely Montana’s sheep industry. Since 1883, MWGA has worked hard to ensure that there is a future raising sheep in Montana and in the United States. The Montana Wool Growers Association also seeks to promote the economic health of Montana and Montana’s agriculture industry, as well as the Montana communities, businesses and people supported by agriculture.
MEDIA CONTACT
Keni Reese
Director of Marketing & Communications
(406) 442-3420
To view more MSGA news, visit https://mtbeef.org/news/
