Montana Association of State Grazing Districts
Of all the western states, Montana alone has a statutory network of State Grazing Districts (map) cooperative areas of diverse ownership that allow for the greatest use of range forage while conserving limited natural resources. Grazing districts are non-profit, cooperative associations of ranchers and farmers who raise livestock. The Montana Grass Conservation Act of 1939 organized these cooperative grazing areas into 26 districts-which include federal grazing lands mingled with state, county and private lands-encompassing more than 10 million acres. Today there are 29 total districts, concentrated in the eastern part of the state.
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), and its Conservation and Resource Development Division, carries out the purposes of the Montana Grass Conservation Act, serving as an advisory capacity to the Department of State Lands and the boards of county commissioners in counties where grazing districts are located.
The Montana Grass Commission, re-created by the Montana State Legislature in 1999, oversees the implementation of the Montana Grass Conservation Act. This commission is also served by an Executive Vice President, Sandra Brown of Terry.
Montana Association of State Grazing Districts Handbook2024 MASGD LEADERSHIP
President: Deanna Robbins, Roy
Vice President: Llane Carroll, Ekalaka
Past President: Kevin Elias, Turner
Executive Secretary/Staff Contact: Ellie Brighton, Helena
Board of Directors:
Troy Blunt, Malta
Jim Anderson, Ismay
Connie Ahlgren, Grass Range
Kyle Kluck, Malta
2025 ANNUAL MEETING
Meeting Dates & Times
June 17, 2025 | Yogo Inn, Lewistown | 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
The Montana Association of State Grazing Districts (MASGD) invites grazing districts and their members to attend the 2025 MASGD Annual Meeting slated for June 17, 2025, in Lewistown, Mont., at the Yogo Inn. The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. following the joint board meeting of MASGD and the Montana Public Lands Council.
The meeting will bring together industry leaders to participate in the event. Attendees will hear from officials from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). There will be an issue and legislative session update from MASGD executive staff and short speeches from elected officials. The association will also conduct general business including voting on changes MASGD bylaws.
*Agenda to follow*
