Sidney Rancher Receives Farm Bureau Distinguished Service Award

David McMillen, a long-time member of Richland County Farm Bureau, received the Distinguished Service Award from the Montana Farm Bureau during the MFBF Awards Banquet November 14 in Billings.

According to Richland County Farm Bureau President Don Steinbeisser, Jr, McMillen is "one of the most respected ranchers and businessmen in the region. He has instilled in his children and grandchildren the importance of being excellent stewards of the land and supporting agriculture."

McMillen, who has ranched all his life, has been active in the Montana Farm Bureau and has donated generously to the Montana Farm Bureau Foundation. He has been active in Montana 4-H, Montana FFA, the Montana Stockgrowers and the MonDak Area Stockgrowers. He has testified in Helena and Washington, D.C. on key agricultural issues, especially involving water rights and property rights. He is very active in the Sidney community, serving as a county commissioner from 1983-1989 and is a great contributor to your agricultural organizations. He has also been a significant contributor to the Foundation for Community Care. He has served as a delegate to the Montana Farm Bureau Convention for many years alongside his high school Class of '53 friend, Don Steinbeisser, Sr. The 82-year-old is an Army veteran and proud patriot.

"David is very deserving of this award for his tireless efforts for agriculture and Farm Bureau at the state and county levels," said MFBF President Hans McPherson who presented the award. "It's truly an honor to recognize this advocate for agriculture and strong supporter of the community he lives in."

The Montana Farm Bureau 98th Annual Convention took place at the Doubletree and Northern Hotels in Billings Nov. 12-15.