About Montana Agri-Women
-
Is a non-profit, non-partisan, public interest organization
-
Promotes education and communication for Montana women in all aspects of agriculture
-
Is a force for truth
-
Is a reasoned, non-partisan voice for the agricultural community to the public
-
Builds & strengthens alliances
-
Communicates & informs individuals & organizations to influence positive perceptions of agriculture
-
Works well in areas of legislation, regulations, consumer relations, promotion and education
-
Are consumers as well as producers and have a unique point of view to offer
Montana Agri-Women's Leadership
President: Maggie Howley
Maggie grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, with milk and agriculture running through her veins. She has spent her life promoting agriculture and raising children. Maggie was a founding member of Montana Agri-Women. Besides devoting her time to Agri-Women, Maggie has been involved in Pony Club on a national level. Maggie's passions include, gardening, traveling, grand-kids, and horses.
Vice President: Tana Canen
Tana Canen is the woman behind the Quarter Horses of Mahlstedt Ranch and the drive behind the tourism aspect of the family ranch known as Montana Moments LLC. Priorities for Tana are family, God, and the ranch. She sees herself as an AGvocate for production agriculture and is a leading force in promoting and developing agritourism in the state. Tana was a founding member of Montana Agri-Women, has been a 4-H leader for nearly 2 decades, is a member of Farm Bureau, AQHA, and is a research associate for the Institute of Tourism & Recreation Research.
contact: tana@mtranching.com
.
Secretary: Shannon Kennedy
Shannon Kennedy is a Montana small farmer, entrepreneur, and advocate for agricultural education. She operates a hobby farm where she raises sheep and alpacas and practices traditional fiber arts such as spinning and wool crafting. Shannon spent 12 years shearing sheep, gaining hands-on experience in the sheep and wool industry and developing a deep appreciation for livestock stewardship and fiber production.
Through her brand, Farmer Shannon, she shares educational content about small-scale agriculture and helps people better understand where their food and fiber come from. Shannon is passionate about promoting agricultural literacy, supporting rural communities, and encouraging the next generation of agricultural producers. She is proud to represent Montana agriculture and the hardworking people who produce our food and fiber.
Treasurer: Holly Robinson
Holly Robinson grew up on a cattle ranch in Phillips County near Zortman, MT. She graduated from Malta High School and obtained a teaching degree from Montana State University – Billings.
Later, Holly returned to college and took accounting classes. “I enjoy doing the books for our ranch and am honored to be considered for the Treasurer position in MT Agri-Women. Agricultural education in Montana is necessary to help people understand where their food comes from”.
Past President: Doreen Gillespie
Doreen's passion for agriculture has led her to a strong advocacy history. She has been an active member of U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, Montana Stockgrowers Association, the Marias River Livestock Association, National CattleWomen, Montana CattleWomen and is a long time member of Montana Agri-Women.
Doreen was also active in Women Involved in Farm Economics (WIFE) and served as the Montana WIFE president for two years; she represented Montana on the National Speaker’s Bureau, telling the beef story.
Doreen is a brand inspector and currently serves as the chair of the Montana Livestock Loss Board. The wife of Montana state Senator, Butch Gillespie. She and Butch ranch 60 miles east of Glacier National Park in the Kevin area where they raise beef and club calves.
Membership Chair: Melody Dobson
Melody has many irons in the fire. She is very passionate about agriculture and promoting Montana's Farmers and Ranchers. Besides assuming the leadership role in Montana Agri-Women she is launching the www.americandoorstopproject.com. Comfortable in front of a podium or behind a microphone, Melody is enthusiastic about communications. But, her strengths shine in the arena of interpersonal communications. "My convictions are strong in this fast paced world of communications. “Relationships with Respect and Integrity” are baseline and fundamental. For over 30 years, I have kept that as my mantra. I believe it has served me well in developing collaborations that have a dedicated purpose and helped to move projects forward for the greater good. I love what I do and appreciate the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people on a daily basis. “ -Melody
Contact: melodydobson@besnan,net
Montana Agri-Women's Committees
Membership Committee:
Melody Dobson
Karen Yost
Tana Canen
Fundraising Committee:
Karen Yost
Melody Dobson
Kellie Kittelmann
Program Committee
Tana Canen
Maggie Howley
Karen Yost
Melody Dobson
Legislative Committee
Natalie Kerfott
Nichole Lake
Karen Yost
Communication Committee
Carie Marshall-Moore
Courtney Kibblewhite
Education Committee
Jodie Drange
Natalie Kerfoot
NIchole Lake