Montana State University seeks nominations for Outstanding Agricultural Leader award

BOZEMAN – Montana State University’s College of Agriculture is seeking nominations for its Outstanding Agricultural Leader award, which will be presented during the college’s expanded Celebrate Agriculture Week Nov. 4-9 at MSU. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, Aug. 30. 

The award recognizes individuals, families or businesses that have gone above and beyond for the Montana agricultural industry in public service, advocacy, production or business. The recipient will be honored during the annual Celebrate Ag awards banquet.

Nominations can be submitted online at ag.montana.edu/celebrateag/aggie_nomination.html. A list of past recipients can be found at ag.montana.edu/celebrateag/outstandingaggie.html. The 2023 award was presented to Charlie Cahill of Scobey.

“Celebrate Agriculture is our biggest opportunity to thank and recognize the outstanding agricultural leaders in Montana including alumni, supporters, faculty and students,” said MSU Vice President for Agriculture and Dean Sreekala Bajwa. “There are many more wonderful events planned for this year, and we are so excited to welcome our community to a bigger and better Celebrate Ag than ever before.” 

Beginning in 2024, Celebrate Agriculture will expand from a weekend-long event to a weeklong series highlighting programs and students around the college. New for 2024 and beyond will be individual events hosted by each department; expanded social offerings throughout the week; an “Ag Alley” tailgate ahead of the Bobcat football game on Saturday; and more.

The selection committee for the Outstanding Agricultural Leader award comprises past chairpersons of the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station Advisory Council; the College of Agriculture’s Academic Advisory Committee and development board; a current faculty member; and a member of the College of Agriculture Student Advisory Council.  

Nominees must be well respected in their community for accomplishments that have wide impact; be an industry leader or an emerging innovative producer; and be actively involved in the agriculture industry.

Active MSU or government employees are eligible for the award’s “Friend of the COA/MAES” category. Retired university or government employees will be considered if they have been retired for at least two years and have shown service above and beyond their job description. Nominees who are not selected will be reconsidered in future years, but application forms should be updated.

Hard copies of the nomination form can be requested by calling the College of Agriculture dean’s office at 406-994-3681. 

Celebrate Agriculture is MSU’s annual tribute to the rich legacy of agriculture, natural resources and life sciences in Montana. This gathering serves as a platform to honor the state's agricultural heritage that encompasses allied industries while recognizing its present and future leaders, producers and students.