Montana Stockgrowers Seeks Nominations for Ranching Woman of the Year

The Montana Stockgrowers Association is seeking nominations for the 2015 Montana Ranching Woman of the Year. The annual award is presented to an MSGA member who has made great contributions to the Montana ranching community and has gone above and beyond to support their family and friends. Nominations are due October 31 and the recipient will be recognized at MSGA's annual convention in Billings, December 3-5.

"Women are often the backbone of Montana's ranching communities. These women often go above and beyond to support their immediate family members and pitch in whenever the need arises in their communities," said Gene Curry, MSGA President from Valier. "We look forward to recognizing these accomplished women each year at our annual convention and thanking them for their hard work."

Last year's recipient of the Ranching Woman of the Year was Bev Fryer, who ranches with her husband, Ed, near White Sulfur Springs. Alongside raising a family, the Fryers raise cattle at the Castle Mountain Ranch, where Bev takes charge of training horses and calving more than 300 heifers each spring. Bev is active in area youth and CattleWomen's activities, ranch rodeos, and guides hunters looking for elk each year.

Past recipients of the award include Glenna Stucky of Avon, Floydena Garrison of Glen, Helen Hougen of Melstone, Marian Hanson of Ashland, Carol Mosher of Augusta and Donna Sitz-Arthun of Billings.

Nomination letters submitted by family or close friends should identify a ranching woman, who is a member of Montana Stockgrowers, describe her role on the ranch, and the characteristics that set her apart when supporting the family and ranch, as well as describe her involvement in community efforts. Biographies should include the ranching woman's hometown, family members, and number of years involved in ranching activities. Along with the nomination biography, submissions should include photos depicting the ranching woman's family, ranch and community involvement.

Nominations should be submitted to the Montana Stockgrowers office by October 31, 2015 via mail (420 N. California, Helena, MT  59601) or email ([email protected]). For more information contact the MSGA office at (406) 442-3420 or visit mtbeef.org/ranching-woman.