Montana Farmers Union Youth Elected to National Advisory Council

GREAT FALLS, MT (August 1, 2005) – More than 60 youth from seven states, including four from Montana, participated in the National Farmers Union All-States leadership camp July 10-16 at the organization’s education center in Bailey, Colorado. At the conclusion of the camp, 24 campers ran for the eight seats on the Senior Youth Advisory council (SYAC).

After short campaign speeches to their peers, Roald Aageson, Gildford, Montana, was one of the successful candidates. Aageson is the son of David and Julie Aageson of Gildford. He was raised on the family farm and ranch that produces small grains, specialty crops, and cattle. He graduated from Blue Sky High School in Rudyard where he was the Valedictorian. He is now a sophomore at the University of Montana, Missoula, and is interested in political science and law.

The SYAC represents Farmers Union youth at the organization’s national convention and plans activities for the following year’s camp. During the camp, youth had the opportunity to enhance their individual and cooperative leadership skills, build friendships with others from different parts of the U.S. and learn more about Farmers Union. Other Montana attendees included Raelee Bishop, Brady; and outgoing national SYAC members Andy Garfield, Great Falls; and Natasha Vidrine, Billings.

When addressing the group, NFU President Dave Frederickson said, “National Farmers Union All-States Camp builds leaders for the future of Farmers Union and recognizes the achievements of those in attendance. Farmers Union is dedicated to assisting in their educational and leadership development.”

Other speakers included Clay Pederson, NFU administrative vice president; Jack van der Geest, author of Was God on Vacation?: A WWII Autobiography; Annetta Sutton, educator and lecturer on contemporary issues, and William Nelson, CHS Foundation president.

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