Young Producers Focus on Rural Leadership

GREAT FALLS, MT (Nov. 17, 2006) -- Fairmont Hot Springs was the place to be last weekend when Montana young producers came together to learn how the rural economy is connected to rural leadership. The learning weekend, which was hosted by Montana Farmers Union and funded by a grant from the CHS Foundation, was coupled with plenty of time for family fun and interaction. The participants walked away with increased knowledge, improved leadership skills and new friends from across the state.

The workshop focus on leadership included many motivational speakers covering such topics as employment opportunities in the field of agriculture, the future in sustainable systems, and the co-op business structure and how to find resources and technical assistance. Participants also went home with tips on how to run a family owned business while successfully handling intergenerational and gender communication differences. National Farmers Union Director for Economic & Co-op Development, shared information about the success of cooperatives nationally and the growing trends in marketing via the internet.

While the parents were learning, their children attended a junior camp. A visit to Fairmont, of course, wouldn’t be complete without a trip down the water slide into the crystal clear pool warmed by natural hot springs. Families had lots of time to splash and play throughout the weekend as well as opportunities to improve their leadership skills.

Participants from the following areas attended: Belt: Jake Larson, J.D. Adams; Brady: Tedi Bishop, Todd Bishop, Andrew Bishop, Dick Hodgson, Travis Hodgson; Butte: Lee Rinehart, Mary Rinehart, Jeff Birkby; Chester: Brett Earl, Anna Earl, Logan Fisher, Cali Fisher; Dutton: Chad Doheny, Eric Doheny, Amanda Doheny; Fort Benton: Colton Kassmier, Josh Kassmier, Ryan Kliman, Hardy O’Hara, Cali O’Hara; Great Falls: Greg Ulmer; Highwood: Adam Olson, Sheena Olson; Missoula: Crissie McMullen, Jeremy Smith; Power: Eileen Kolski, Hermina Kolski, Erik Somerfeld; Shelby: Rob Laas, Tina Laas, Terry Tomsheck, Carol Tomsheck.

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